Question 240598: Grouping:
x^3+x^2+x+1
Answer by rapaljer(4671)   (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website! Group the first two and the last two together. From the first two take out a common factor of x^2. From the last two, take out a common factor (since there is actually NOT one!) of 1.
x^3+x^2 + x +1
x^2(x+1)+1(x+1)
Notice that you have a common factor of (x+1). Take out this common factor:
(x+1)(x^2 + 1)
There are a several links on my own website that explain FACTORING in detail. To find my website, do a "Bing" or "Google" search for my last name "Rapalje". Look for "Rapalje Homepage" near the top of the search list. Near the top of my Homepage, look for "Basic, Intermediate and College Algebra: One Step at a Time." In "Basic Algebra" look in Chapter 2 for "Section 2.07 Factoring by Grouping." My non-traditional explanations are probably easier to understand than your own textbook.
In addition, I have a FREE video that might help. From my homepage, look for the link "Rapalje Vidoes in Living Color". Choose "Basic Algebra" and look for "Factoring". Try it and see what you think--it's all FREE!!
If you like my website, please recommend it to friends!!
Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamonte Springs Campus
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